I need help getting my exhaust manifold bolts off

MARVINDAMANIAC

MEMBER
1995 OLDSMOBILE CIERA
156,090 MILES

Is there a trick to getting to the two bolts on the exhaust manifold gasket? I am trying to change the O-ring, but cannot get to the bolts. I was thinking that if I remove the sway bar and that bracket over it, then I would have a straight shot to the bolts. Once I removed the 12 bolts that I believed were holding it and took the sway bar down, I couldn't get the bracket to drop. My cousin said that if I drop that then the whole engine would also fall. I don't think I want that to happen.

1 Reply

DRCRANKNWRENCH

MECHANIC
3,380 POSTS

If the bolts are giving you trouble, the best thing is to soak them in a product called PB Blaster. It is better than WD 40 in my opinion. Follow this procedure;
Spray and soak hardware to be removed.
Wait ten to fifteen minutes and tehn wipe as much rust and corrositon of with rag as possible. Soak another rag and repeat wiping corrosion off. Re-apply PB Blater and let it soak over night or for long periods when you get a chance to try and remove some of the rust. Repaeat procedure for at least one overnight soaking period and repeat as many times as possible.
You may apply some heat p from a propane torch to the hardware, be wary of damaging other components.
Use a good six-point closed end wrench or socket to remove using breaker bar if you use socket, socket is best method.
Be prepared to replace the hardware as it may strip or break during removal. There is no guarantees when removing exhaust hardware. When attempting to loosen back off if any sudden movement occurrs and inspect hardware fro damage.

As far as the sway bar, the front is a little tought to get out but only 6 bolts hold it in. On each end there is a link that has a bolt on top and bottom. Then going down the bar there will be 2 rubber bushings with retainers and 2 bolts holding each. Once you have removed all of these, that is all that holds the sway bar. Lifting the front end with a jack and using jack stands may help in removing the bar.